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NTSB Report
March 17, 1990 · Cessna 172G · N4696L
Rio Hondo, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 17, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Rio Hondo, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172G
Tail Number
N4696L
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW90LA084
THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT AT 2,500 FEET, HE NOTICED AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM AND DETECTED SMOKE IN THE CABIN. AFTER REDUCING THROTTLE TO A CONTROLLABLE RPM, HE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WAS ZERO. HE SUBSEQUENTLY EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN BRUSHY AREA THAT WAS THE BEST AVAILABLE. DURING ROLL OUT THE NOSE GEAR DUG INTO THE SOFT GROUND AND THE AIRPLANE FLIPPED OVER. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE PROPELLER GOVERNOR OIL LINE FITTING HAD SEPARATED DUE TO STRIPPING OF THE THREADS OUT OF THE GOVERNOR HOUSING AND THAT THE FITTING WAS INCORRECT FOR THE APPLICATION. THE AIRPLANE HAD EXPERIENCED A FORCED LANDING 13 DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT DUE TO AN OIL LEAK AND LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE DUE TO THE JAM NUT ON THE FAILED FITTING HAVING BACKED OFF. ON THAT OCCASION, A MECHANIC TIGHTENED THE LINE AND THE AIRPLANE WAS CLEARED FOR FLIGHT.
NTSB Probable Cause
OIL STARVATION INDUCED POWER LOSS DUE TO IMPROPER MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION AND THE SOFT TERRAIN IN WHICH THE FORCED LANDING WAS PERFORMED.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT AT 2,500 FEET, HE NOTICED AN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM AND DETECTED SMOKE IN THE CABIN. AFTER REDUCING THROTTLE TO A CONTROLLABLE RPM, HE NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WAS ZERO. HE SUBSEQUENTLY EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN BRUSHY AREA THAT WAS THE BEST AVAILABLE. DURING ROLL OUT THE NOSE GEAR DUG INTO THE SOFT GROUND AND THE AIRPLANE FLIPPED OVER. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE PROPELLER GOVERNOR OIL LINE FITTING HAD SEPARATED DUE TO STRIPPING OF THE THREADS OUT OF THE GOVERNOR HOUSING AND THAT THE FITTING WAS INCORRECT FOR THE APPLICATION. THE AIRPLANE HAD EXPERIENCED A FORCED LANDING 13 DAYS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT DUE TO AN OIL LEAK AND LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE DUE TO THE JAM NUT ON THE FAILED FITTING HAVING BACKED OFF. ON THAT OCCASION, A MECHANIC TIGHTENED THE LINE AND THE AIRPLANE WAS CLEARED FOR FLIGHT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:11 CST
Nearest Airport18nm NNE
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172G
Tail NumberN4696L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1D · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:46
Weather SourceWFAC